WESTOVER — A Westover-based day care program is being credited for its partnership with Somerset County Public Schools’ Migrant Education Program for providing child care and school readiness services for children of migrant families 3 years of age or younger. The arrangement with Children of Destiny Child Care at St. James United Methodist Church meant these babies and toddlers no longer had to travel over an hour to Parksley, Va., as they had done in the past.

Twelve children were served by the program that began in July and ran through mid-October. Children of Destiny is working on Maryland State Department of Education accreditation standards. It is currently a Level 3 (out of 5) Maryland EXCELS licensed facility.

The Migrant Education Program has been held annually for decades by SCPS to provide academic services to children of migrant workers who come to Somerset and Wicomico counties. Because of their parents travel for work the students have their education interrupted and they are considered at-risk and therefore eligible for priority services.

This program also was positive because it provided an opportunity for migrant children to be exposed to English speaking children and adults while English speaking children attending the child care center could be exposed to Spanish speaking children. Children participated in many in county activities supported by the local Judy Center to include field trips and regular attendance at Play Pals, a playgroup for children 3 and under.